... following signing of Environmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during state visit in August this year
8 Oct 2010
Shanghai, China – 8 October, 2010: Today at the South Africa Pavilion, the South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, formally opened the final month's theme of "Environment and Climate Change". The exploration of this theme is not only closely linked to the Shanghai Expo theme of "Better City, Better Life" but moreover builds on the Environmental Management MoU signed between the Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China during the state visit to China by President Zuma in August, 2010.
Minister Sonjica's visit to China is part of a strategic plan to increase dialogue between the two countries around issues of mutual importance including climate change, use of cleaner technology, water resource conservation, development of a green economy and a move towards sustainable development. Her visit to China will also include a meeting with Minister of Environmental Protection, Minister Shengxian Zhou, followed by participation in the UN (United Nations) climate change talks in Tianjin.
Demonstrating South Africa's unified approach to addressing environmental issues, the theme of "Environment and Climate Change" will include a seminar on 18 October 2010, led by the Department of Science and Technology entitled "Urban Planning through the Lens of Climate Change" while other departments such as the Department of Water Affairs will showcase their steps towards improving water quality and its provision in poorer communities; water scarcity and rainwater harvesting. The Department of Energy will explore on issues such as solar energy and cleaner technologies.
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Sonjica explained "The theme of the South African Pavilion is "South Africa: The rise of a modern economy - ke nako" which means "it is time". It is time for decisive action to safeguard our environment for present and future generations and to combat the ravages of run-away climate change." South Africa and China have a growing number of joint research and exchange programs, and we recognise that there is tremendous potential growth in the areas of science and technology, as well as environmental research, for example cleaner development mechanism (CDM) projects.
The South African Pavilion's theme of "Environment and Climate Change" at the Shanghai Expo also comes at a time when Minister Sonjica will be attending the BASIC meeting on climate change in Tianjin from 10 to 12 October. The BASIC group is an alliance of likeminded developing countries comprising of Brazil, South Africa, India and China. The BASIC grouping is emerging as one of the most important formations in the climate change negotiations.
South Africa's recent signing of the Environment MoU with the people's Republic of China aims to create a platform for the development of joint projects and exchange of expertise in the biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring, compliance and enforcement, as well as environmental technology and management of hazardous and toxic wastes which will have mutual benefit for the people of the two countries. Following the signing of this MoU, the two countries will put in motion plans and strategies to implement the provisions and objectives contained in the MoU. These activities, in addition to participation in Tianjin, will facilitate preparations for Convention of the Parties (COP) 16 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cancun, Mexico in November this year as well as UNFCCC COP17 which will be held in South Africa in November 2011.
Notes to Editors:
South Africa's Pavilion design uses a traditional housing design of a Rondavel house with a modern twist as the centrepiece showcasing contemporary, modern living and showcasing how the home is the heart of the community. Against this powerful backdrop, the Pavilion showcases a different theme each month through Shanghai Expo.
Background on South Africa – China Relations in brief
1998: Formal establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China
2000: South Africa and China sign the Pretoria Declaration on partnership relations, followed by the establishment of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), under which five sectoral committees, respectively on diplomatic affairs, trade, education, science and technology, and defense, have been set up.
2007: Cabinet Lekgotla's decision of July 2007, identified China as the test case for coordinated planning and implementation of the country's international relations; marketing South Africa abroad; and strengthening South Africa's economic diplomacy – today being realised by Shanghai Expo.
2008: 10 year anniversary of diplomatic ties. Strategic Partnership Dialogue between the Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China launched on 7 January 2008 as another vehicle to consolidate the bilateral relations between the two countries.
2010: State Visit by President Zuma to China:MoU on Environmental Management signed in August 2010.
Enquiries:
Jessie Song
E-mail: Jessie.song@mslworldwide.com
Source: http://www.environment.gov.za/
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
8 Oct 2010
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